At a certain point in March each year – Spring time arrives here at EGRC, and indeed, the rest of the Northern hemisphere. Here at EGRC (unlike the rest of the northern hemisphere) this also represents the point at which our basking in the success of our very own Rodway 10k ends, and the cajoling, badgering, pestering - basically general hounding - of members to do the Frenchay 10k can begin! Gleefully undertaken by this annoying chap called Graham. This then continues for several weeks thereafter, culminating with the Frenchay 10k! And so it proved again this year, just like last year and the one before that.

 In truth, there is never much need to cajole or badger, as members are always keen to support this fabulous event, many of us having run it several times before. For the benefit of newer members who may not be aware – I represent EGRC on the Frenchay 10k (F10k) committee – a team of 4 chaps, 5 including myself, who get together each month to plan the race. I provide input and support from a runners perspective. We became involved at their request a couple of years ago to help to try to boost the rapidly declining numbers. EGRC was keen to accept their request for help because the F10k has been going for many years so it would be a real shame to lose it. It also has the great attribute that all proceeds raised in entry fees go to charity. The chaps have very much welcomed me into the fold and made me feel like part of the F10k team. EGRC’s input has helped to boost numbers from around the 350 mark to around the 600 mark in the last two years, which has been a fantastic achievement.  

 Despite the success of the last two years, this year I felt was going to be a particular challenge because, despite our best efforts, the race was going to clash with a couple of other significant running events. Namely Corsham 10k, Pensford 10k and one of our championship runs – the Horton Bull Run. Oh dear.

 Still, at least this year we didn’t have the torrential downpour that we had in the week leading up to last year’s run. Just fine weather with cloudy skies – perfect running conditions.

 So, 28th April, Sunday, 07.30 hours. There I stood hammering signs into the grass, with a strange sense of deja vu. This year my mission – car parking and photos. The car parking went a bit nuts last year due to the sheer weight of numbers so my aim was to try to bring some order to the chaos. I’d acquired myself some cool little walkie-talkies to try to save myself from running back and forth. Last year I probably racked up 10k before the race had even begun! So complete with the hi-vis and man-toy –er walkie-talkies – I was ready to rock. Unfortunately for me, the marshal at the front gates just could not get the hang of said walkie-talkies! ‘Hello? Hello? Graham are you receiving? Er, Graham hello …. are you there? …. Over. I’m not sure if you’re receiving. Over. Graham …. hello? …..’  - ‘Yes I’m receiving!! For the millionth time - take your finger off the button so you can hear me!’  … would be what could hear echoing from around the back of the grounds. Thankfully a lovely lady marshal did show him how to work it eventually. Not in time to be of any benefit for this year! But next year – fingers crossed. 

So about 10k’s later, I was thinking – I should probably get in place for the start of the run. Thankfully I wasn’t actually running it this year because I needed to get some start and finish line photos for the Facebook page. So I bagged myself one of the massive rocks near the start/finish line and balanced accordingly. Last year I had run the race nice and slow so that I could take photos along the way. That was my excuse anyway! This year it was great to be able to get a different perspective and to be able to cheer on all the lovely EGRC runners and see the front runners come over the line. Sure enough, after what seemed (and was!) a ridiculously short period of time the first man breezed across the line. Looking as if he was just out for a run in the park. A few minutes later the second chap breezed across looking much the same! The 3rd chap breezed across a minute later looking not quite as breezy, like he was actually putting in some effort. I noted the Doynton Hard Half Marathon t-shirt – oh yeah! Some quality training. Then, a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye – along comes our very own Niall. Bounding along like Tigger, feet barely touching the ground. 4th place! – get in. One of my lasting memories of this year’s run will be him swaggering back to the HQ, blue F10k mug in hand, black hoodie with hood up - unzipped cape-like. Like a prize fighter that’s just kicked ass! Love it. The trickle of runners gradually became a steady stream. John with his loud-hailer stoically kept on trying to shout out their names as they flooded across the line. Then gradually the flood turned back into a stream, which gradually receded into a trickle (do you need the loo yet!?) and after what felt like no time at all – the last runner was over the line.

So how did we get on number wise? Fabulously - just like last year and the one before that. Despite the clashes all over the shop the F10k exceeded 600 runners once again! Around 22 of us entered despite the clashes. 5 more than Bitton! Oh yes. This year the 1st place men’s and ladies running club trophies based on the top 4 places of each were a new addition. (Another EGRC contribution!) Well done to the EGRC men and ladies who came 3rd and 4th place respectively! None too shabby. There were only trophies for 1st places this year but 2nd and 3rd place trophies are a work in progress ….. so next year EGRC!

 I’d like to say a huge thank you for supporting the run once again. The 600 entrants will result in £6,500 going to Paul’s Place, a great local charity which provides day facilities and support for physically, sensory and cognitively impaired adults in the local area.  We also raised an additional £40 for the charity from selling the F10k mugs that were left over. Well done EGRC! You should be proud.